Radio Shack TRC-494 User manual

Cat. No. 21-1589
OWNER’S MANUAL
40-Channel Emergency
Please read before using this equipment.
TRC-494
Citizen’s Band Weatheradio
21-1589.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM

Cat. No. 21-1589
OWNER’S MANUAL
40-Channel Emergency
Please read before using this equipment.
TRC-494
Citizen’s Band Weatheradio
21-1589.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM

2
INTRODUCTION
© 1996 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Radio Shack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
Your Radio Shack TRC-494 is a 40-
channel emergency citizen’s band
weatheradio that is specially de-
signed for emergency situations. It
comes with a handy carrying case so
you can easily move it from one vehi-
cle to another. And, the TRC-494 is
also a 3-channel weatheradio, which
you can use to receive weather infor-
mation 24 hours a day.
You can power the TRC-494 from the
cigarette-lighter socket in any vehicle
that has a 12-volt, negative ground
electrical system. You can also pow-
er the CB from the supplied battery
pack.
Its features include:
CB/Weatheradio Switch — lets you
quickly switch from the CB to the
weatheradio function.
Emer
g
enc
y
Channel 9 Switch —
immediately switches the CB to
Channel 9, the universal emergency
channel.
PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Fre-
quenc
y
S
y
nthesizer — provides re-
liable and exact tuning using a
frequency reference crystal.
Di
g
ital Channel-Number Displa
y
— makes it easy to see which chan-
nel is selected.
Ran
g
e Control — lets you eliminate
background noise when no strong
signals are present.
Built-In Ceramic Filters — provide
superior selectivity and prevent adja-
cent-channel interference.
Built-In Automatic Noise Limiter
(ANL) — reduces noise caused by
nearby electrical equipment, such as
motors or automotive ignition sys-
tems.
External Antenna Jack — lets you
connect the TRC-494 to an external
CB radio antenna.
Note: The TRC-494 comes with a
telescoping antenna that you can at-
tach directly to the CB. You can also
attach it to the supplied magnet-
mount base for use when your vehi-
cle is not moving. If you plan to use
the CB when your vehicle is moving,
we recommend that you purchase a
standard mount antenna.
Important: REACT is a
nationwide 24-hour net-
work that monitors
Channel 9. Switch to
Channel 9 in an emer-
gency, and report the
problem.
Note:
REACT might not be available
in all areas.
21-1589.fm Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM

2
INTRODUCTION
© 1996 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Radio Shack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
Your Radio Shack TRC-494 is a 40-
channel emergency citizen’s band
weatheradio that is specially de-
signed for emergency situations. It
comes with a handy carrying case so
you can easily move it from one vehi-
cle to another. And, the TRC-494 is
also a 3-channel weatheradio, which
you can use to receive weather infor-
mation 24 hours a day.
You can power the TRC-494 from the
cigarette-lighter socket in any vehicle
that has a 12-volt, negative ground
electrical system. You can also pow-
er the CB from the supplied battery
pack.
Its features include:
CB/Weatheradio Switch — lets you
quickly switch from the CB to the
weatheradio function.
Emer
g
enc
y
Channel 9 Switch —
immediately switches the CB to
Channel 9, the universal emergency
channel.
PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Fre-
quenc
y
S
y
nthesizer — provides re-
liable and exact tuning using a
frequency reference crystal.
Di
g
ital Channel-Number Displa
y
— makes it easy to see which chan-
nel is selected.
Ran
g
e Control — lets you eliminate
background noise when no strong
signals are present.
Built-In Ceramic Filters — provide
superior selectivity and prevent adja-
cent-channel interference.
Built-In Automatic Noise Limiter
(ANL) — reduces noise caused by
nearby electrical equipment, such as
motors or automotive ignition sys-
tems.
External Antenna Jack — lets you
connect the TRC-494 to an external
CB radio antenna.
Note: The TRC-494 comes with a
telescoping antenna that you can at-
tach directly to the CB. You can also
attach it to the supplied magnet-
mount base for use when your vehi-
cle is not moving. If you plan to use
the CB when your vehicle is moving,
we recommend that you purchase a
standard mount antenna.
Important: REACT is a
nationwide 24-hour net-
work that monitors
Channel 9. Switch to
Channel 9 in an emer-
gency, and report the
problem.
Note:
REACT might not be available
in all areas.
21-1589.fm Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM

3
For your records, we urge you to
record your CB’s serial number in the
space below. The serial number is on
the CB’s back panel.
Serial Number:_________________
FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Com-
mission (FCC) does not require you
to have a license to operate this CB.
However, the FCC does require you
to read and know Part 95 of
FCC
Rules
. These rules apply to the oper-
ation of a Class D CB. We have pro-
vided a copy of these regulations
with your CB.
Warning: Do not open your CB to
make any internal adjustments. Inter-
nal adjustments can be made only by
authorized service personnel.
Internal adjustments and/or modifi-
cations can lead to illegal operation
as defined by Part 95 of FCC Rules.
Such illegal operation can lead to
very serious consequences.
To be safe and sure:
• Never open your CB’s case.
• Never modify your CB.
Your CB might cause TV or radio in-
terference even when it is operating
properly. To determine if your CB is
causing the interference, turn off
your CB. If the interference goes
away, your CB is causing it. Try to
eliminate the interference by:
• Moving your CB away from the
receiver.
• Contacting your local Radio
Shack store for help.
If you cannot eliminate the interfer-
ence, the FCC requires that you stop
using your CB.
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3
For your records, we urge you to
record your CB’s serial number in the
space below. The serial number is on
the CB’s back panel.
Serial Number:_________________
FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Com-
mission (FCC) does not require you
to have a license to operate this CB.
However, the FCC does require you
to read and know Part 95 of
FCC
Rules
. These rules apply to the oper-
ation of a Class D CB. We have pro-
vided a copy of these regulations
with your CB.
Warning: Do not open your CB to
make any internal adjustments. Inter-
nal adjustments can be made only by
authorized service personnel.
Internal adjustments and/or modifi-
cations can lead to illegal operation
as defined by Part 95 of FCC Rules.
Such illegal operation can lead to
very serious consequences.
To be safe and sure:
• Never open your CB’s case.
• Never modify your CB.
Your CB might cause TV or radio in-
terference even when it is operating
properly. To determine if your CB is
causing the interference, turn off
your CB. If the interference goes
away, your CB is causing it. Try to
eliminate the interference by:
• Moving your CB away from the
receiver.
• Contacting your local Radio
Shack store for help.
If you cannot eliminate the interfer-
ence, the FCC requires that you stop
using your CB.
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4
CONTENTS
PREPARATION ............................................................................................... 5
Supplying Power......................................................................................... 5
Using Vehicle Battery Power ............................................................... 5
Installing the Battery Pack .................................................................. 5
Attaching the Antenna ................................................................................ 6
Attaching the Antenna Directly to the CB ............................................ 6
Using the Antenna’s Magnetic Base ................................................... 7
USING THE CB ............................................................................................... 8
Setting RANGE............................................................................................ 9
USING THE WEATHERADIO ........................................................................ 10
CB OPERATION TIPS .................................................................................... 11
Common Uses for a CB Radio.................................................................. 11
Business Uses ................................................................................... 11
Personal Uses .................................................................................... 11
CB Courtesy............................................................................................. 12
Maximum Range ...................................................................................... 12
Using Common 10-Codes ........................................................................ 13
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................. 14
Reducing Noise........................................................................................ 15
MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................ 16
Replacing the Power Cord’s Fuse............................................................ 17
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................... 18
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4
CONTENTS
PREPARATION ............................................................................................... 5
Supplying Power......................................................................................... 5
Using Vehicle Battery Power ............................................................... 5
Installing the Battery Pack .................................................................. 5
Attaching the Antenna ................................................................................ 6
Attaching the Antenna Directly to the CB ............................................ 6
Using the Antenna’s Magnetic Base ................................................... 7
USING THE CB ............................................................................................... 8
Setting RANGE............................................................................................ 9
USING THE WEATHERADIO ........................................................................ 10
CB OPERATION TIPS .................................................................................... 11
Common Uses for a CB Radio.................................................................. 11
Business Uses ................................................................................... 11
Personal Uses .................................................................................... 11
CB Courtesy............................................................................................. 12
Maximum Range ...................................................................................... 12
Using Common 10-Codes ........................................................................ 13
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................. 14
Reducing Noise........................................................................................ 15
MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................ 16
Replacing the Power Cord’s Fuse............................................................ 17
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................... 18
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5
PREPARATION
SUPPLYING POWER
Using Vehicle Battery Power
Follow these steps to power the CB
from your vehicle’s battery.
1. Plug the small end of the sup-
plied power cord into DC 12V on
the side of the CB.
Caution: Before plugging the
power cord’s cigarette-lighter
plug into your vehicle’s ciga-
rette-lighter socket, make sure
the tip is screwed firmly onto the
plug (see “Replacing the Power
Cord’s Fuse” on Page 17).
2. Plug the other end of the power
cord into the cigarette-lighter
socket.
Notes:
• If the CB does not operate prop-
erly when you are using the DC
power cord, check that the
lighter socket is clean and free
of ashes or other debris.
• If the unit still does not work,
check the fuse in the DC power
cord (see “Replacing the Power
Cord’s Fuse” on Page 17).
Installing the Battery Pack
Your CB uses eight AA batteries for
power. For the best performance and
longest life, we recommend alkaline
batteries, such as Radio Shack Cat.
No. 23-552.
Note: When you connect the DC
power cord to the CB, the battery
pack automatically disconnects.
Follow these steps to install the bat-
teries in the battery pack and attach
the battery pack to the CB.
1. Press down and slide the battery
pack’s latch in the direction of
the arrow. While holding the
latch, slide the battery pack off
to the right.
2. Push down on the center of the
battery pack’s top to remove the
battery holder from the battery
pack case.
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5
PREPARATION
SUPPLYING POWER
Using Vehicle Battery Power
Follow these steps to power the CB
from your vehicle’s battery.
1. Plug the small end of the sup-
plied power cord into DC 12V on
the side of the CB.
Caution: Before plugging the
power cord’s cigarette-lighter
plug into your vehicle’s ciga-
rette-lighter socket, make sure
the tip is screwed firmly onto the
plug (see “Replacing the Power
Cord’s Fuse” on Page 17).
2. Plug the other end of the power
cord into the cigarette-lighter
socket.
Notes:
• If the CB does not operate prop-
erly when you are using the DC
power cord, check that the
lighter socket is clean and free
of ashes or other debris.
• If the unit still does not work,
check the fuse in the DC power
cord (see “Replacing the Power
Cord’s Fuse” on Page 17).
Installing the Battery Pack
Your CB uses eight AA batteries for
power. For the best performance and
longest life, we recommend alkaline
batteries, such as Radio Shack Cat.
No. 23-552.
Note: When you connect the DC
power cord to the CB, the battery
pack automatically disconnects.
Follow these steps to install the bat-
teries in the battery pack and attach
the battery pack to the CB.
1. Press down and slide the battery
pack’s latch in the direction of
the arrow. While holding the
latch, slide the battery pack off
to the right.
2. Push down on the center of the
battery pack’s top to remove the
battery holder from the battery
pack case.
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6
3. Install the batteries in the holder
as indicated by the polarity sym-
bols (+ and –) marked on the
holder.
4. Slide the battery pack’s case
over the holder until it snaps into
place.
Note: The case slides over the
holder in only one direction. If it
doesn’t slide into place on the
first try, do not force it! Turn the
case over and try again.
5. From the right side of the CB,
slide the battery pack onto the
bottom of the CB until it clicks
into place.
To test the batteries, press BATT
TEST on the battery pack. If the indi-
cator lights, the batteries are still
good. If the indicator does not light,
replace all eight batteries.
ATTACHING THE
ANTENNA
You can attach the supplied tele-
scoping antenna to the supplied
magnetic base or directly to the CB.
In either case, fully extend the anten-
na for maximum range.
Attaching the Antenna
Directly to the CB
To attach the antenna directly to the
CB, simply screw the antenna into
the CB’s ROD ANT jack.
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6
3. Install the batteries in the holder
as indicated by the polarity sym-
bols (+ and –) marked on the
holder.
4. Slide the battery pack’s case
over the holder until it snaps into
place.
Note: The case slides over the
holder in only one direction. If it
doesn’t slide into place on the
first try, do not force it! Turn the
case over and try again.
5. From the right side of the CB,
slide the battery pack onto the
bottom of the CB until it clicks
into place.
To test the batteries, press BATT
TEST on the battery pack. If the indi-
cator lights, the batteries are still
good. If the indicator does not light,
replace all eight batteries.
ATTACHING THE
ANTENNA
You can attach the supplied tele-
scoping antenna to the supplied
magnetic base or directly to the CB.
In either case, fully extend the anten-
na for maximum range.
Attaching the Antenna
Directly to the CB
To attach the antenna directly to the
CB, simply screw the antenna into
the CB’s ROD ANT jack.
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7
Using the Antenna’s
Magnetic Base
Note: The supplied magnetic mount
base is designed for emergency use
only while your vehicle is stopped. If
you want to use the CB when the ve-
hicle is moving, you need an optional
standard mount antenna (available
at your local Radio Shack store). You
also need a plug adapter (Cat. No.
278-208) to connect the standard an-
tenna’s PL-259 plug to EXT ANT on
your CB.
1. While your vehicle is stopped,
screw the antenna into the hole
on top of the magnetic base.
2. Place the base as near as possi-
ble to the center of your vehi-
cle’s roof.
Warnin
g
:Do not remove the
metallic backing on the bottom
of the magnetic base.
3. Plug the magnetic base’s wire
into
EXT ANT.
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7
Using the Antenna’s
Magnetic Base
Note: The supplied magnetic mount
base is designed for emergency use
only while your vehicle is stopped. If
you want to use the CB when the ve-
hicle is moving, you need an optional
standard mount antenna (available
at your local Radio Shack store). You
also need a plug adapter (Cat. No.
278-208) to connect the standard an-
tenna’s PL-259 plug to EXT ANT on
your CB.
1. While your vehicle is stopped,
screw the antenna into the hole
on top of the magnetic base.
2. Place the base as near as possi-
ble to the center of your vehi-
cle’s roof.
Warnin
g
:Do not remove the
metallic backing on the bottom
of the magnetic base.
3. Plug the magnetic base’s wire
into
EXT ANT.
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8
USING THE CB
Before you start using your CB, you
should know how to use it effectively
and courteously. “CB Operation
Tips” contains information that will
help you use and enjoy your CB.
Note: Before you operate the CB, be
sure you connect a power source
and an antenna to the CB.
1. Turn VOLUME clockwise to turn
on the CB. The volume level
appears in the VOLUME win-
dow.
2. Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to
CB.
3. Turn RANGE fully counterclock-
wise to set it to 10.
Note: To eliminate background
noise, see “Setting Range.”
4. Select a channel as follows:
• To immediately select Chan-
nel 9, set CH 9 to IN. Channel
9 is used for emergencies and
traveler assistance.
• To select any other channel,
set CH 9 to OUT. Then press
CHANNEL UP or DOWN to
select a channel.
Note: To check the selected
channel number, press DISPLAY
on the side of the CB. The num-
ber appears for 20 seconds.
5. To transmit, hold the CB 2-3
inches from your mouth, press
and hold down PUSH TO TALK
on the side of the CB, and speak
directly into the built-in micro-
phone.
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8
USING THE CB
Before you start using your CB, you
should know how to use it effectively
and courteously. “CB Operation
Tips” contains information that will
help you use and enjoy your CB.
Note: Before you operate the CB, be
sure you connect a power source
and an antenna to the CB.
1. Turn VOLUME clockwise to turn
on the CB. The volume level
appears in the VOLUME win-
dow.
2. Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to
CB.
3. Turn RANGE fully counterclock-
wise to set it to 10.
Note: To eliminate background
noise, see “Setting Range.”
4. Select a channel as follows:
• To immediately select Chan-
nel 9, set CH 9 to IN. Channel
9 is used for emergencies and
traveler assistance.
• To select any other channel,
set CH 9 to OUT. Then press
CHANNEL UP or DOWN to
select a channel.
Note: To check the selected
channel number, press DISPLAY
on the side of the CB. The num-
ber appears for 20 seconds.
5. To transmit, hold the CB 2-3
inches from your mouth, press
and hold down PUSH TO TALK
on the side of the CB, and speak
directly into the built-in micro-
phone.
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9
In an emergency, broadcast
your “CLIP”:
Call sign — identify yourself
Location — be exact
Injuries — number of injured,
type of injuries, and so on
Problem — give complete
details. Give information calmly,
clearly, and in as few words as
possible
6. When you finish transmitting,
release
PUSH TO TALK. You can
now receive transmissions.
Adjust
VOLUME to the desired
listening level.
7. To turn off the CB, turn VOLUME
counterclockwise (toward the
top of the CB) until you hear it
click and OFF appears in the
VOLUME window.
Note: VOLUME and RANGE only af-
fect reception. They have no effect
on transmissions.
SETTING RANGE
Because this is primarily an emer-
gency CB, we suggest you leave
RANGE
set to 10 when you store the
CB. This ensures the maximum re-
ception range in an emergency.
If you want to eliminate background
noise when you are not receiving a
strong signal from another CB, wait
until you are not receiving a call and
turn RANGE clockwise until the back-
ground noise stops.
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9
In an emergency, broadcast
your “CLIP”:
Call sign — identify yourself
Location — be exact
Injuries — number of injured,
type of injuries, and so on
Problem — give complete
details. Give information calmly,
clearly, and in as few words as
possible
6. When you finish transmitting,
release
PUSH TO TALK. You can
now receive transmissions.
Adjust
VOLUME to the desired
listening level.
7. To turn off the CB, turn VOLUME
counterclockwise (toward the
top of the CB) until you hear it
click and OFF appears in the
VOLUME window.
Note: VOLUME and RANGE only af-
fect reception. They have no effect
on transmissions.
SETTING RANGE
Because this is primarily an emer-
gency CB, we suggest you leave
RANGE
set to 10 when you store the
CB. This ensures the maximum re-
ception range in an emergency.
If you want to eliminate background
noise when you are not receiving a
strong signal from another CB, wait
until you are not receiving a call and
turn RANGE clockwise until the back-
ground noise stops.
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10
USING THE WEATHERADIO
In the USA, detailed weather infor-
mation is continuously broadcast on
372 government weather stations.
Each station broadcasts on A—
162.400, B— 162.475, or C—
162.550 MHz.
Most weather stations use frequency
C, but in locations where there might
be interference between stations, the
other two frequencies might be used.
Choose the frequency that provides
the best reception at your location.
Follow these steps to receive weath-
er information.
Note: Before you use the weathera-
dio, be sure you connect a power
source and an antenna to the CB.
1. Turn VOLUME clockwise to turn
on the weatheradio.
2. Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to
A,B or C.
3. Adjust VOLUME to the desired
listening level.
Notes:
• If reception is poor, try one of the
other two weather station fre-
quencies.
•CH9, CHANNEL UP/DOWN, PUSH
TO TALK, DISPLAY, and RANGE
have no effect on weatheradio
operation.
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10
USING THE WEATHERADIO
In the USA, detailed weather infor-
mation is continuously broadcast on
372 government weather stations.
Each station broadcasts on A—
162.400, B— 162.475, or C—
162.550 MHz.
Most weather stations use frequency
C, but in locations where there might
be interference between stations, the
other two frequencies might be used.
Choose the frequency that provides
the best reception at your location.
Follow these steps to receive weath-
er information.
Note: Before you use the weathera-
dio, be sure you connect a power
source and an antenna to the CB.
1. Turn VOLUME clockwise to turn
on the weatheradio.
2. Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to
A,B or C.
3. Adjust VOLUME to the desired
listening level.
Notes:
• If reception is poor, try one of the
other two weather station fre-
quencies.
•CH9, CHANNEL UP/DOWN, PUSH
TO TALK, DISPLAY, and RANGE
have no effect on weatheradio
operation.
21-1589.fm Page 10 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM